Ukrainian actress Larisa Kadochnikova, who became a movie legend thanks to her role as Marichka in the film "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors", found herself at the center of a scandal because of her language position. During the awarding ceremony of the National Union of Cinematographers of Ukraine named after Serhiy Parajanov in the House of Cinema, the 87-year-old actress refused to speak Ukrainian, which caused a wave of indignation in society.
At the ceremony, Kadochnikova began her speech in Russian. Journalist Ruslan Koshovenko asked her to switch to Ukrainian, but the actress refused, justifying her decision by the fact that she has the right to use the language she is comfortable with.
"I have done a lot for Ukraine, and I should be respected. I play Ukrainian in the theater, but in everyday life I can speak any language. We must love each other and not fight over trifles," Kadochnikova said.
Her words caused applause from those present in the hall, but the reaction on the network was radically different.
The writer Larisa Nitsoi published a video of the actress' performance on her Facebook page and criticized her for using the Russian language in public.
"Kadochnikova says that she has done enough for Ukraine. But for which country did she actually do it? Her language position is a demonstration of support for the "Russian peace", which became the cause of the war," Nisoi wrote.
The discussion in social networks quickly gained momentum. Some users supported the writer, emphasizing the importance of using the Ukrainian language in public space, especially during the war. Others defended the actress, calling for tolerance.
The situation surrounding Kadochnikova raised the question of the role of language in Ukrainian society and public space. During the war, the issue of linguistic identity became an important tool for the protection of national culture.
Should public figures, especially those who represent a culture, demonstrate linguistic awareness? The case with Larisa Kadochnikova became another example of how sensitive this issue is for Ukrainians.
